Ekurhuleni commissioner lauds officer for securing a rape conviction
Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole has acknowledged the prison sentences imposed on Sifiso Josaya Nzimande for rape and theft.
The Springs Regional Court sentenced Sifiso Josaya Nzimande to 10 years imprisonment for rape and an additional six months for theft.
The verdict, delivered on September 12, pertains to a crime committed by Nzimande on June 29, 2020.
According to Ekurhuleni District SAPS spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela, the incident occurred around midnight when Nzimande approached the complainant on her way home.
“The accused initially reassured her, telling her not to scream as he meant no harm, but then he forcibly took her to a secluded area at a sports complex on Shabangu Street in Kwa-Thema,” said Sekgobela.
“In that isolated location, he began to touch the victim inappropriately and undressed her. Despite her attempts to resist, she pleaded to him to use protection, but he ignored her.”
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Sekgobela added following the rape ordeal, Nzimande stole the complainant’s cellphone and fled the scene.
Nzimande was arrested and trialled at the Springs Regional Court.
He was found guilty of rape, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and the second count was theft of a cellphone, for which he received a six-month imprisonment.
Sekgobela said the court also declared Nzimande unfit to possess a firearm.
Ekurhuleni district SAPS commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended Warrant Officer Modupi Jacob Rakwena of the Springs SAPS Family Violence and Child Protection Services Unit for the good conviction he secured to ensure that justice is served to the victim.
“His pivotal role in securing a conviction and delivering justice for the victim, has been recognised as exemplary,” said Sithole.
